Cricket is the second most watched sport in the world, behind soccer. Few things in the game of cricket can truly attract the interest of fans and induce terror in batsmen like a fast bowler operating at full speed. Extremely fast bowling is a rare and appreciated skill that requires accuracy and mental attention in addition to physical strength. There have been famous bowlers in cricket history whose thunderous deliveries leave a lasting impression and test the boundaries of human response. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 fastest bowlers in cricket history: 1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) Shoaib Akhtar's remarkable talent and persistent dedication are demonstrated by his journey from the streets of Rawalpindi to becoming cricket's fastest bowler. His ability to consistently bowl over 160 km/h set him apart during a time when speed became a defining factor in the sport. Known as the "Rawalpindi Express," Shoaib Akhtar holds the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled in international cricket, clocked at 161.3 km/h (100.2 mph) against England in the 2003 World Cup. His intimidating pace and aggressive approach made him a formidable force. 2. Brett Lee (Australia) Brett Lee, with his smooth run-up and effortless action, consistently breached the 150 km/h mark. His fastest recorded delivery was 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph). Lee’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds made him a lethal weapon for Australia. Check Also: Top 10 Highest Wicket Takers in International Cricket: Legends of the Game 3. Shaun Tait (Australia) Shaun Tait was known for his extreme pace and unorthodox action. He regularly clocked speeds above 150 km/h and recorded a delivery at 161.1 km/h (100.1 mph) during the 2010 T20 World Cup. Tait’s short, explosive spells terrorized batsmen. 4. Mitchell Starc (Australia) Mitchell Starc combines raw pace with precision. His fastest delivery stands at 160.4 km/h (99.7 mph). Starc’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds has made him a key asset for Australia across all formats of the game. 5. Jeff Thomson (Australia) In the 1970s, Jeff Thomson was arguably the fastest bowler of his time. His slinging action generated tremendous speed, with his fastest delivery estimated at 160.45 km/h (99.6 mph). Thomson’s partnership with Dennis Lillee struck fear into opposition teams. 6. Andy Roberts (West Indies) Andy Roberts was one of the pioneers of West Indies’ fearsome pace battery in the 1970s. His fastest delivery was around 159.5 km/h (99.1 mph). Roberts’ accuracy and ability to move the ball off the pitch made him a challenging prospect for batsmen worldwide. Check Also: Top 10 Players with Most Sixes in International Cricket: The Ultimate Six-Hitters 18-May-2024 • 9:45 AM 7. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) Fidel Edwards burst onto the scene with his rapid pace and aggressive bowling style. His fastest delivery was clocked at 157.7 km/h (98.0 mph). Edwards’ ability to trouble batsmen with his sheer speed earned him a reputation as one of the fastest bowlers from the Caribbean. 8. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) Mitchell Johnson possessed a smooth left-arm action that could surprise batsmen with its pace and bounce. He bowled his fastest delivery at 156.8 km/h (97.4 mph). Johnson’s ability to swing the ball and generate bounce made him a match-winner for Australia. Rank Bowler Country Fastest Deliveries in km/h Fastest Deliveries in mph 1 Shoaib Akhtar Pakistan 161.3 km/h 100.2 mph 2 Brett Lee Australia 161.1 km/h 100.1 mph 3 Shaun Tait Australia 161.1 km/h 100.1 mph 4 Mitchell Starc Australia 160.4 km/h 99.7 mph 5 Jeff Thomson Australia 160.45 km/h 99.6 mph 6 Andy Roberts West Indies 159.5 km/h 99.1 mph 7 Fidel Edwards West Indies 157.7 km/h 98.0 mph 8 Mitchell Johnson Australia 156.8 km/h 97.4 mph 9 Mohd. Sami Pakistan 156.4 km/h 97.1 mph 10 Shane Bond New Zealand 156.4 km/h 97.1 mph These bowlers not only terrorized batsmen with their sheer pace but also inspired future generations of fast bowlers to push the limits of speed and skill in cricket. While the speed gun may capture their velocity, it is their ability to consistently trouble batsmen and shape matches that truly defines their legacy in the annals of cricketing history.